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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/26/2008 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
So, I have been in an active flare for about 6 weeks with HORRIBLE abdominal pain. Yesterday I went to my GI, who is starting me on Remicade tomorrow but will NOT give me any Rx for pain.

After my GI appt I went to my psychiatrist and told him what was happening and he prescribed me Ultram (Tramadol).

I just took it and I am completely paranoid that I will hurt my crohn's and I will have to admit to my GI that I went behind his back.

Tell me I am being crazy and it is totally reasonable for me to take this medicine for this unbearable pain.
Posted 6/26/2008 10:10 PM (GMT 0)

Tramadol is a narcotic, and as far as I understand as long as you aren't taking an NSAID type drug (aspirin, advil, aleve, etc) you won't hurt your crohn's.

If it helps, I have taken Tramadol many many times (I have bad TMJ problems) and it never made me have a flare or anything.  I just had to make sure to take it with food or my stomach would hurt really bad, but many medicines (even vitamins) do that to my stomach.

If you are in horrible pain, don't feel bad for wanting relief from it.  Take the tramadol if it helps.  If it doesn't help, ask to try something different.

Posted 6/26/2008 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Ultram is fine with Crohn's but when I took it, it made me have D the day after taking it. So unfortantaly I don't like it to take it.
Posted 6/26/2008 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Update: I have to say, the pain is still there, but not as severe. Thank goodness.
Posted 6/27/2008 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
I have to take pain meds or I can't move , when you are in pain you deserve to be treated. If your GI gets upset then that is his problem he should be giving you what you need. I don't understand some of these doctor, I feel so fortunate to have a compassionate one. The only issue you might have with the narcotic pain meds is that they can plug you up, which in most of our cases isn't the worse thing that could happen. Don't stress just take care of what you need!
Posted 6/27/2008 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Shell. I'd like to see some of these doctors refuse pain meds if they were in pain everyday. Jerks.
Posted 6/27/2008 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
It might be a good idea to take a list of the meds you're on to your local pharmacist and ask if it's ok to take Tramadol with them. Not sure if it's ok to mix Tramadol and Wellbutrin - you need to be careful to avoid mixing Tramadol and certain antidepressants.

It would also be a good idea to be aware that Tramadol can slow your bowels, so be careful not to use it constantly if it seems to be causing constipation. Constant use can also induce nausea. Also be aware that pain meds can mask serious gut symptoms - that might be why your gi was keen to avoid them. In other words, if you get a few scary symptoms, don't discount them simply because you're not feeling any pain!!

Glad to know you're getting some relief.

Ivy.
Posted 6/27/2008 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
To check for drug interactions: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs/1,4109,,00.html To look up a drug and its side affects: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Home BUT:  Checking with your doctors or pharmacist is ALWAYS best. Blessings!
Posted 6/27/2008 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
good call Ivy I didn't think of that, definitely a good idea to make sure they are okay to take with your other meds. I hope you are doing better kam.
Posted 6/27/2008 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
I have taken tramadol on a regular basis for quite a while.  It is a very mild narcotic and it has not caused me too much grief.   I only use it for mild pain because it was not strong enough to tackle my crohn's arthritis and abdominal pain when it get severe.  I also use Lortab 10's for the severe pain, but not both together.  You do not have to feel ashamed that you are on pain medication for you disease.  Your G.I. should be ashamed that they are not treating you pain.  It is true that pain medication can mask other problems, but how long should one suffer before a G.I. decides that the patient has had enough.  If you have gotten to the point that you are asking for help, that should be enough of a sign to your G.I. that you need a little help.  I recently changed G.I.s due to this same reason.  My old G.I. responded to my question about what I should do about having pain after I eat, his response was,"Don't eat"  What a jerk!  I told my primary care about this and he had me change to a different G.I.  It has made a world of a difference having someone who is genuine in helping me.  

Posted 6/27/2008 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
Kam it is very common for GI's not to prescribe pain meds. Most of us have to get our pain medications from our family doctors. Don't feel bad that you have to take pain meds, why should you suffer and be in pain?!

My family doc prescribes Percoset for me. I only take 1/2 tab three times a day. I couldn't function daily without them. My gut is pretty much in remission, but my joints are killing me all the time.
Posted 6/27/2008 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your kind words and support.

As far as mixing meds, I checked with my psychiatrist and then double checked with my pharmacist (I am very very cautious) :-)

Thanks again and let's hope this Remicade works!
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